leading the pack

USAGE SUMMARY

"leading the pack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is at the forefront of a group or out in front of the competition. For example: "Joe is leading the pack in the race for the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Almost half of respondents reported taking this action, with Germany leading the pack at 65%.

Forbes

South African entrepreneurs are leading the pack.

The Economist

Howard Dean, is leading the pack.

The New York Times

Instead of leading the pack, Pimco was trailing it.

The Guardian - Money

"They seemed to be leading the pack of madness.

The New York Times

"But there isn't anyone leading the pack, so to speak.

The New York Times - Arts

And they did, with the museum leading the pack.

The New York Times - Travel

But various opinion polls show his rivals are leading the pack.

The Economist

The majority of exhibitors are European, with the French leading the pack at 30 percent.

The New York Times

The latest poll in Iowa shows the preacher from Hope, Arkansas, leading the pack there.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it's interesting that this time around Swatch is following suit, not leading the pack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of the phrase; it implies not only being first but also setting an example or standard for others.

Common error

Avoid using "leading the pack" when simply describing something that is popular. The phrase implies a competitive environment where someone or something is demonstrably superior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading the pack" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression, often acting as a predicate adjective describing a subject that is in a superior or dominant position. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leading the pack" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that denotes being in a dominant or superior position. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, business and tech. While versatile, understanding its implications is vital for appropriate usage. Alternatives such as "at the forefront" or "in the lead" may be more suitable for formal settings. By grasping these nuances, writers can effectively employ "leading the pack" to enrich their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out in front

Similar to "in the lead", emphasizing a position of dominance.

in the lead

Refers to being ahead in a competition or race.

setting the pace

Implies establishing the standard or rate of progress.

topping the list

Indicates being at the highest position in a ranking or list.

at the forefront

Implies being in a leading position, often in innovation or progress.

blazing the trail

Implies creating a new path or approach, often involving risk and innovation.

spearheading

Suggests leading an effort or movement, often with force or determination.

ahead of the curve

Suggests being innovative and progressive, anticipating future trends.

breaking ground

Signifies pioneering new developments or innovations.

taking the initiative

Highlights the act of proactively leading and initiating action.

FAQs

How can I use "leading the pack" in a sentence?

You can use "leading the pack" to describe someone or something that is ahead of others in a competition or field. For example: "Tesla is currently "leading the pack" in electric vehicle technology".

What are some alternatives to "leading the pack"?

Alternatives to "leading the pack" include "at the forefront", "in the lead", or "ahead of the curve" depending on the specific context.

Is "leading the pack" formal or informal?

"Leading the pack" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression, suitable for most contexts except the most formal or academic writing. Using "at the forefront" may suit a more formal tone.

What does it mean when someone is "leading the pack"?

When someone is "leading the pack", it means they are in the foremost position, ahead of their competitors or peers in a particular activity or field. It suggests they are the most successful or advanced at that time.